ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

• Facilitate the exchange of technologies and information among farmers, communities, scientists, development
practitioners and policy makers (Output 7.1 – participation of vulnerable groups; Output 7.2 – permanent dialogue
framework).
2.1.5 Projected potential impact
The projected impacts include:
• The sustainable conservation of giraffes in the site and increase in their population by improving natural fodder,
water availability and reducing conflict with local farmers;
• The restoration of vegetation cover and carbon sequestration improvement of households and communities
livelihoods through money generating activities and better crops and livestock production;
• These impact will reach more than 20000 inhabitants and cover more than 83000 ha representing the giraffe’s
main living area.
2.2. Land degradation control using water harvesting techniques for trees and pastures production
2.2.1 The basis of the technology’s success
Niger is one of the leading countries in West Africa when it comes to land degradation control using water
harvesting techniques combined with tree plantation, controlling invasive rangeland plant species, or denuded areas
restoration. Though there have been many projects to combat desertification since 1960, little has been done on
pasture restoration in agricultural areas such as the two DMP-GEF sites. This technology combines both water
harvesting techniques with tree plantation and native pasture restoration. Greater responsibility is given to local
communities at all stages of the implementation of this technology (design, implementation, and management).
2.2.2 How is it implemented?
Discussions were held between scientists and other stakeholders to identify constraints and potential solutions
(Phase I of DMP). In addition, the stakeholders were trained in the use of the technology (Phase II of DMP) and
participatory implementation of the activities is being carried out (Phase II and III). Locally adapted and multi-usage
(fodder, wood, medicinal) herbaceous and tree species were planted in the project sites. The stakeholders ensure
protection of the degraded areas being reclaimed against grazing by the livestock and lopping so that vegetation can
grow normally and herbaceous species produce seed for dissemination and propagation. Partners include scientists,
technicians from the Ministry of Environment, NGOs (ABC-écologie), local population and development projects in
the area. The President’s Special Program will be a potential partner. So far, this technology is a high resource
demanding activity in terms of labor and funds. On-going similar activities in the two DMP sites from other donors
have set ground rules that the DMP has to follow to get support from communities. In a few cases this contradicts
the full participatory approach proposed by DMP-GEF.
2.2.3 Up-scaling the technology
Up-scaling is done by identifying progressively (on a yearly basis) the new specific areas to be managed. Areas for
up-scaling are identified jointly with the communities and local Ministry of Environment technicians to comply with
local and national development plans. The technology is already applied in other countries such as Burkina Faso and
Mali. The Ministry of Environment will assist in the
up-scaling phase. The major constraints of up-scaling this technology include high requirement for funds and labor.
Other constraint is the influence of other projects in the location, which are not using the participatory approach and
may undermine participation of the local communities.
2.2.4 Contribution to the overall DMP project goal and objectives
This technology contributes to the following specific objectives and outputs of the DMP-GEF project:
• Document and evaluate, with the participation of farmers, NGOs and NARS, current indigenous soil, water,
nutrient, vegetation and livestock management practices for arresting land degradation and to identify
socioeconomic constraints to the adoption of improved management practices (Output 1.3 – documentation of
295